Hindus can pray in Gyanvapi mosque's basement, says Varanasi court

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, January 31

The Varanasi Court on Wednesday granted permission to the Hindu side petitioners to perform puja in the basement of the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

The judgment pertains to the case of one Somnath Vyas’ basement. Vyas’ family used to perform puja in the basement till 1993, however, following the state government’s order, the worshipping was stopped.

In its order, the court said prayers could be conducted by priests from the Vishwanath Temple and said arrangements should be made to remove barricades blocking entry to the mosque's basement, which had been ordered sealed by the Supreme Court during the ASI survey op

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side told ANI, " ...Puja will start within seven days. Everyone will have the right to perform Puja..." "Hindu side allowed to offer prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tekhana'. The District Administration will have to make arrangements within 7 days," Jain said.

The mosque has four 'tahkhanas' (cellars) in the basement out of which one is still in possession of the Vyas family who used to live here.

Vyas had petitioned that as hereditary pujari he be allowed to enter the tahkhana and resume pooja.

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